Queensrÿche part ways with Geoff Tate

Queensryche have parted ways with frontman Geoff Tate following a series of “creative differences.”

Crimson Glory singer Todd La Torre has been drafted in to replace the star, according to Billboard.com – and drummer Scott Rockenfield has confirmed the line-up switch in a statement.

He says, “Over the past few months, there have been growing creative differences within Queensryche. We want our fans to know that we hoped to find a common resolution, but in the end parting ways with Geoff was the best way for everyone to move forward in a positive direction.”

“We wish him the best of luck with all of his future endeavors. We can’t wait to bring Queensryche to our fans with Todd behind the microphone.”

As a result of the news, all Queensryche performances have been put “on hold”.

Tate has yet to comment on his departure from the band, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year.

Unconfirmed online reports have suggested that Tate and his now-former bandmates were involved in an altercation before a show in Brazil in April. It is not known if the alleged incident had anything to do with Tate’s departure.

At the end of May, members of Queensryche formed a new band, called Rising West, with La Torre. The new act performed two sold out shows at Seattle’s Hard Rock Cafe earlier this month.

Queensryche were scheduled to open for The Scorpions at a show in Utah last week but only Tate appeared, backed by his solo band.

And on Monday, Queensryche cancelled an August 10th appearance at the Douglas County Fair in Oregon. Event officials attributed the cancellation to a falling out between Tate and the band, according to Billboard.com.

2 Responses to Queensrÿche part ways with Geoff Tate

Well considering the fact that THAT particular lineup has already been doing shows… under a different name of course. Tate seems to be the type to sue the other guys to keep them from using the name that THEY built…
What I’ve heard so far is really good, La Torre is a perfect fit sonically…

Well … considering that Tate’s solo record was the best thing he’s done in the past 10 years and besides American Soldier Queensryche has not really done anything impressive since 1994 I’m curious as to what Tate will do next …